Colours affect our mood and our emotions. So, it’s important to choose the right colours for your child's room. Find out what the different colours signal and get the Interior Designer’s tips on how you can create a relaxed and calm atmosphere in your child's room – using colours.
Highlights:
- Colours signal different things – some colours are dynamic, and some colours are relaxing.
- Think about your child's age and stage - what kind of atmosphere does your child need?
- If you want to instil a sense of calm, avoid contrasts between white and bright colours.
What the Colours Signal
When decorating your child's room, it can be tempting to pick your favourite from the colour chart and just start painting. But before you do, it's a good idea to think about which atmosphere you want to create in your child's room.
Some colours are dynamic, some colours are relaxing, and some colours can even help us concentrate. According to Interior Designer, Lene Roenfeldt, the general rule is:
Blue: has a cooling and calming effect on us, which is why blue is often used in rooms focused on relaxation.
Red: is an energetic colour, but dark red can also be used to tone things down and soften a room’s atmosphere.
Yellow: stimulates motivation and creativity, making it the perfect colour for schools and
Green: has healing and calming effects and is often seen in hospitals or at the doctor's room.
What does Your Child Need?
Children develop new skills all the time. How your toddler uses their bedroom is very likely completely different from how your older child, or your teenager, use their rooms. Lene Roenfeldt gives an example:
"Our intuition tells us not to shout or make noise around a baby. The colours in a baby's room should express peace and quiet, so the baby is given the best conditions to grow, develop, and get ready for the world that awaits."
Calming Colour Tips
If you want to create a nice, relaxed atmosphere in your child’s room, Lene Roenfeldt has a few tips for you:
"There’s no greater contrast than bright colours against a white wall. White walls make the room feel unsettled, especially when there are also shiny, red cars and multi-coloured toys scattered around. So, to make your child's room as calm as possible, a pastel colour or a muted shade is always a good idea."
"You can paint door frames and skirting boards the same colour as the wall, or a shade above or below the wall colour. This way, you avoid the sharp contrast of a white frame against a coloured wall, and you get a monochrome look that brings calm and harmony to the room."
"Another great way to create a sense of calm in your nursery is to choose unicoloured storage units, or a large wardrobe with doors where all the toys can be stored away before bedtime," concludes Lene Roenfeldt.
Additional Tips for Peaceful Mealtimes
Creating a serene environment during mealtime involves thoughtful preparation and interactive elements that keep kids engaged. Use the right tools and incorporate learning to transform mealtime from chaotic to peaceful.
Choosing the Right Mealtime Tools
Tableware: Opt for sturdy, non-slip plates and bowls that stay put. Silicone placemats can help keep dishes from sliding.
Seating: A good high chair with a secure harness can help to restrain movement.
Utensils: Pick child-friendly utensils that are easy to grip. Weighted or curved options can assist those who struggle with fine motor skills.
Educational Interactions During Meals
Conversation: Engage your child in discussions about the food's color, shape, and texture. This makes mealtime informative and entertaining.
Counting Games: Utilize snack items like peas or carrot sticks for counting exercises. This turns mealtime into an impromptu math lesson.
These strategies can make your mealtime calmer and more enjoyable for you and your child.